Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald said college coaches have to guard against being too creepy using social media as a recruiting tool.

"I think there is a fine line between building a genuine relationship and being a creepy adult," Fitzgerald said on the Big Ten Conference call this week

Fitzgerald said if a coach is "texting these kids, 'Good morning, have a great lunch and good night, Sunshine,' then you've got problems, man, in my humble opinion."

Even though Fitzgerald uses social media because "you have to go where the players are," he tries to maintain his traditional approach to the recruiting process.

"I think it's about building genuine relationships with the young men and their families and educating them on your program, from A to Z, and hopefully being the right fit for them," Fitzgerald said. "The other stuff is smoke and mirrors and a bunch of nonsense."

Fitzgerald said he has noted that players' attitudes have changed dramatically since the days when he was recruited.

"I think there are some kids who enjoy recruiting more than they enjoy football," he said. "I think that's a byproduct of this early process. We've created it. We are the ones that make the rules. I think it's something we serious have to think about because we are fighting some egos on kids 14, 15 and 16 years old. I remember what it was like to be that age and I sure wouldn't have been mature enough to handle that kind of attention."

He said anyone who needs a showier recruiting process may not be the right fit for him.

"I wish them well because I don't text any of them at 5:30 in the morning to make sure they are here for a meeting at 7," Fitzgerald said. "I just expect them to be here, just like they have to be in the real world."

Baylor Bears wide receiver Chris Platt is lifted in the air by offensive lineman Patrick Lawrence after converting on a two-point conversion against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at McLane Stadium. Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports

Missouri Tigers tight end Albert Okwuegbunam attempts to make a catch in the end zone as South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jaycee Horn defends in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports

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North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Jakobi Meyers makes a catch against Boston College Eagles defensive back Taj-Amir Torres during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Jonathan Hilliman and back Raheem Blackshear celebrate after a touchdown against Illinois Fighting Illini during first half at High Point Solutions Stadium. Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports